Bologna vs Medellin: cost of living for digital nomads

Bologna, Italy and Medellin, Colombia, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.

The short version

  • Medellin is about 24% cheaper than Bologna for a month of nomad living ($1,500 vs $1,970).
  • Rent is the biggest gap: $720 in Medellin against $900 in Bologna.
  • Bologna scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 6/10).
  • Internet is faster in Bologna: 120 Mbps typical against 100 Mbps.
  • Bologna is temperate; Medellin is tropical.

Bologna wins 3 of the measured lines; Medellin wins 5.

Frequently asked questions

Which city is cheaper, Bologna or Medellin?

Medellin is cheaper: about $1,500/month against $1,970/month in Bologna, roughly 24% less for a typical remote worker's budget.

Which city is safer, Bologna or Medellin?

Bologna scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 6/10 for Medellin.

Which has faster internet, Bologna or Medellin?

Bologna has faster typical internet: 120 Mbps against 100 Mbps in Medellin.

LineBolognaMedellin
Monthly total (USD)$1,970$1,500
Rent$900$720
Food$480$380
Transport$40$45
Coworking$150$120
Safety (out of 10)8/106/10
Internet (Mbps)120100
Climatetemperatetropical
City sizemidmetro
Settinginlandmountain
Nomad score (out of 10)7/1010/10

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Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Bologna September 10, 2026, Medellin November 8, 2026.